KHARTOUM, 31 October 2025 - International non-governmental organizations working in Sudan are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic loss of five Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers in Bara, North Kordofan and remain gravely concerned about the three volunteers who are still missing.
We strongly condemn the continued and unacceptable attacks on humanitarian and frontline workers, including national and international aid staff, medical personnel, first responders, and volunteers, who are providing lifesaving assistance to civilians affected by the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
We are deeply concerned by the growing reports of killings, injuries, abductions, and harassment of aid workers and health personnel, as well as the looting and destruction of humanitarian assets and medical facilities. Reports indicate that 460 people were killed at the Saudi hospital in the days following the recent capture of El Fasher, including patients and their companions. Six medical staff were also kidnapped, with high ransom demands for their release. Such actions not only endanger lives but also erode the space for neutral and impartial humanitarian action. They constitute violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which provides special protection for healthcare workers, facilities, the wounded, and sick.
Humanitarian workers operate under the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, principles that have been recognised and accepted by parties to the conflict within the Jeddah declaration, which included a commitment to protect and respect humanitarian workers, assets and facilities. Any attack, intimidation, or obstruction against those delivering essential aid is a grave breach of IHL and directly threatens the ability of millions of people to access the assistance they urgently need.
The Sudan INGO Forum calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold obligations under international humanitarian and human rights laws, including:
Immediately cease attacks on humanitarian, medical, and other frontline workers
Ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, humanitarian facilities, and aid convoys
Guarantee safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas where people are in need, while ensuring the safety and protection of humanitarian and medical personnel delivering life-saving assistance.
We further urge donor governments, regional bodies, and the broader international community to:
Use all diplomatic and political channels to call for the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel and;
Condemn all violations of international humanitarian law and ensure accountability for those responsible.
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